Imam Ashour, an Al-Ahly player, responded to rumors alleging that he feigned injury and missed the team's preparatory period before the start of the season.
Imam Ashour
Club: Al-Ahly
Ashour said in an interview via Al-Ahly's official website: "I have learned to be patient no matter what people say about me; my response is on the pitch. As long as I am at Al-Ahly, you are not allowed to respond to anyone except through performance on the field. This is the code of Al-Ahly Club."
Imam Ashour missed Al-Ahly's preparation period, as well as the team's opening match in the league championship against Sharqiya Enppi.
Ashour explained, "I suffered a serious injury during the Argentina match at the World Cup. The injury was severe. I tried to return quickly and was fully focused on recovering."
He added, "I underwent treatment with Al-Ahly's medical staff and gradually began training... I participated in one training session at the camp in Spain before the Barcelona match. I would never feign injury or rebel against Al-Ahly. I hope to be present for all matches with the club."
Imam Ashour renewed his contract with Al-Ahly Club for four years, keeping him with the team until 2030.
Regarding the contract extension, Imam said, "I am happy to be at Al-Ahly Club, where I can make history, achieve accomplishments, contribute something significant to the club, and live up to the fans' expectations."
He continued, "I thank my agent, the contracts director, and Al-Ahly's board of directors for their trust in me. Being at Al-Ahly Club means achieving titles and accomplishments, which gives me motivation."
He added, "Al-Ahly is an honor for any player. I am always happy to be on the pitch and to see Al-Ahly's fans. They are my support after God, and together we will write history. I thank them for their support during the past period."
He also spoke about Hussein Ammouta, Al-Ahly's head coach: "He is a great coach with a rich history and a strong personality. He supported me strongly during the past period, constantly communicates with me, is extremely honest with all players, and pays attention to every detail."
He added, "He assured us that the team includes many distinguished players and that he will benefit from everyone according to match circumstances, as the squad comprises more than 30 players, and everyone will get their opportunity. Furthermore, he has confidence in the team's overall capabilities. We hope he achieves the success he seeks and wins all titles."
Imam also addressed rumors linking him to playing abroad, saying, "Playing professionally is every player's dream, but I am here at Al-Ahly Club to write new history... With Al-Ahly, I participated in the FIFA Club World Cup and the World Cup with the national team."
Al-Ahly had previously announced its refusal to sell Imam Ashour during the current summer transfer window after receiving an offer from Turkish club Konyaspor.
Ashour promised Al-Ahly fans that the team would win titles in the new season: "At Al-Ahly, we play with only one objective: winning titles. Last season witnessed a decline, which happens naturally to any club, but when Al-Ahly falls, it can rise again."
He concluded, "God willing, we will achieve all titles this season... Dreams become reality with Al-Ahly. Al-Ahly is a great honor and a huge responsibility for any player. I am eager to return to playing matches and to have the fans present. God willing, it will be a season full of titles."
The 28-year-old joined Al-Ahly in 2023, coming from Midtjylland in Denmark.
Imam Ashour has participated in 105 matches wearing the Al-Ahly jersey so far, scoring 32 goals and providing 25 assists.
With Al-Ahly, Ashour won the Egyptian Premier League twice, the Egyptian Super Cup twice, the Egypt Cup once, the CAF Champions League once, and the Afro-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Al-Ahly is preparing to face ZED next Friday in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League.
